Ep 4. The Lost Gardens of Babylon
- May 6, 2014
The Lost Gardens of Babylon is the fourth episode of the 13th season of the Secrets of the Dead series. This fascinating episode explores the mysteries of one of the most legendary wonders of the ancient world - the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which was once considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The episode begins by delving into the earliest references of the hanging gardens in the ancient texts of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. It then moves on to discuss the famous descriptions of the gardens by the Greek historian, Herodotus, and the Babylonian priest, Berossus, who have written about its incredible beauty, engineering, and grandeur.
What makes this episode particularly interesting is the fact that no physical evidence of the gardens has been found to date. Despite extensive excavation work by archaeologists, the elusive gardens, which are thought to have been destroyed by earthquakes or erosion, remain a mystery. In fact, scholars and historians continue to debate whether the gardens were a real place or a figment of ancient imaginations.
The episode discusses the different theories that have been put forward to explain the Hanging Gardens, ranging from elaborate terraced gardens, courtyards with exotic trees and plants, to hydraulic systems that brought water to the hanging gardens. Experts are interviewed to discuss the possibilities of these systems, and whether the gardens could have still existed today if they were built to survive withstand damage.
The show also talks about King Nebuchadnezzar II, the legendary king who is believed to have commissioned the Hanging Gardens in the 6th century BCE to recreate his wife's homeland. Through the use of some rare ancient texts and some new archaeological discoveries, secrets of the king's life and rule are revealed.
Finally, the episode raises intriguing questions about the value of these ancient wonders and their importance to our understanding of human history. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon has been a symbol of beauty and engineering for centuries, but their elusive nature only adds to their mystery and intrigue. This episode is perfect for history aficionados, lovers of architecture and engineering, and those who appreciate the great ancient wonders of the world.
